Police investigation into Sir Cliff Richard expanded: report

The investigation now involves more than one allegation against the 74-year-old British singer, BBC News reports.

Last August police raided Sir Cliff's Berkshire mansion and he was interviewed over claims of a sex crime but he was not arrested or charged.

But earlier this month South Yorkshire Chief Constable David Compton sent a letter to Keith Vaz, the chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, confirming the investigation had been expanded beyond the original allegation.

"This is an investigation which has increased significantly in size since its inception," Mr Compton wrote.

"Sir Cliff's lawyers are aware that there is more than one allegation.

Mr Compton's letter, dated February 10, was in response to Mr Vaz's request for an update on the investigation.

"In view of the expanding nature of the investigation, it would be premature and potentially misleading to predict a likely date when it will be concluded, however we are progressing as swiftly as possible," Mr Compton wrote.

Sir Cliff has since issued a statement saying he did not know where the "absurd" allegations originated.

"I have no idea where these absurd and untrue allegations come from," the statement read.

"The police have not disclosed details to me.

"I have never, in my life, assaulted anyone and I remain confident that the truth will prevail. I have cooperated fully with the police, and will, of course, continue to do so.

"Beyond stating that the allegations are completely false, it would not be appropriate for me to say anything further until the investigation has concluded, which I hope will be very soon. In the meantime, I would, again, like to thank everyone for supporting me through this unbelievably difficult period."

The news that the investigation has expanded comes just a day after the BBC and South Yorkshire Police were slammed in an independent report over the broadcast of the August raid of Sir Cliff's home.